The Rees family, dogs included

Pembrokeshire walks - Lawrenny

Armed with two children, the dogs and the prospect of lunch at the Quayside Tearooms as the prize, The Rees family headed to Lawrenny to tackle the circular trail.

Taking in the ancient woodlands, mudflats and spectacular meadow views of the Carew and Cresswell rivers and Daugleddau estuary, this 3-mile walk is perfect for all the family.

Duration: 1hr 30mins – 1hr 45mins

Length: 2.8 miles (4.5 km)

Terrain: Varied. This walk is perfect for families but maybe with slightly older children. The homeward leg from Garron Pill along the Daugleddau estuary (high tide route) has a fair bit of ups and downs, undulating rather than steep and the path is crisscrossed with tree roots so very little legs might stumble a bit.

Tip: You might consider long trousers as although the path is well defined those pesky brambles do love to encroach.

Footwear: There was a full range of attire from full-on walking boots to trail shoes and trainers. Wellies would be ok but in wet weather, along the hightide route, the path might get slippery.

Download a copy of the route map from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The route

Starting across the road from the pub the route begins with a gentle uphill stroll through mixed broadleaf woodland and the first stop, of many, for a quick swing and climb.

Quick stop for the rope swing 200m into the walk!

Breaking through the trees, a vista reveals itself that makes you stop in your tracks. You don’t expect that.

Views across the Carew and Cresswell rivers

Head through the farmland, dodging the cow pats and across into the village. NOTE: there might be cows in the field and possibly with young. Keep dogs under close control.

Inquisitive young calves

The path emerges just outside the gates of the 12th century St Caradoc’s Church. At this point, if you need a shortcut, you can turn right and follow the road back round to Lawrenny or continue left through the village to Garron Pill.

Route from Lawrenny village to Garron Pill

The high hedges suddenly reveal Garron Pill where the route swings left along the creek, and at low tide, the very sticky mud flats. The air was full of the chatter of oystercatchers and curlews as they comb the flats for a tasty morsel.

The views of the estuary from the meadow were breathtaking. The final section along the high-level route was more undulating than expected but still thoroughly enjoyable.

Claire & Ceri

Scattered with fallen and washed up trees, the high water line makes a perfect place for a pit stop – sturdy branches to swing and climb on and stones to throw into the gloopy mud – before the route heads back into the ancient woodland.

Garron Pill

The trail heads up into the woodland of ancient sessile oak with their twisted boughs. As the path weaves its way along the shoreline: up, down and around, you catch glimpses of the estuary below and across the water to Benton Castle

Benton Castle

Once you’ve spotted Benton Castle you’re nearly there, through the final gate and that prize of lunch at the Quayside Tearoom awaits you.

End of trail

Lunch at The Quayside, Lawrenny

The verdict.

Iolo, 12 “The tree swing was a surprise and running through the meadow with the dogs was good fun. Oh yes, scaring Ella in the woods“

Ella, 15 “not too long!”

Need a more level terrain? Try some of our suggestions for accessible walks, perfect for families with smaller children and pushchairs.